Saka Nankana Sahib: A Turning Point in Sikh History and the Struggle for Religious Sovereignty

Today, as the Sikh Panth faces new challenges, it must rise above personal and political rivalries, uphold the sanctity of its institutions, and reclaim its rightful place in India and the world.

Introduction: The Unparalleled Sacrifice at Nankana Sahib, February 20, 1921,

Today, as Sikhs across the world—and indeed a wider cross-section of Punjabis—solemnly commemorate the anniversary of this unparalleled collective sacrifice, we reflect on one of the most tragic yet defining moments in the relatively recent Sikh history. On February 20, 1921, at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib—the revered birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji—hundreds of unarmed Sikh reformers were mercilessly massacred by the forces of Mahant Narayan Das, a corrupt custodian who had turned the sacred gurdwara into his personal fiefdom of tyranny and exploitation. This blood-soaked tragedy was not an isolated act of brutality; rather, it was part of the larger Sikh Gurdwara Reform Movement, a determined struggle to liberate Sikh religious institutions from the corrupt mahants who had desecrated them, often with the tacit backing of British colonial authorities. The martyrs of Nankana Sahib laid down their lives not merely for a shrine but for the sanctity of Sikh values, autonomy, and the right to self-governance—principles that continue to inspire the Sikh Panth to this day.

The sacrifice at Nankana Sahib became a catalyst for the Sikh community to consolidate its efforts in the fight for religious autonomy. This movement would eventually lead to the formal recognition of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and culminate in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925. To fully grasp the significance of this event, it is essential to place it in the broader historical context of Sikh resistance against oppression—both colonial and internal.

The Historical Context: Jallianwala Bagh and the Gurdwara Reform Movement

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Its Impact on Sikh Consciousness

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on April 13, 1919, where British forces under General Dyer killed over 500 unarmed civilians, ignited a fire of resistance across India, particularly in Punjab. For Sikhs, who had historically been at the forefront of martial and political struggles, the massacre reaffirmed the need to reclaim their political and religious autonomy. The Akali movement gained momentum as Sikh leaders realized that both their shrines and civil rights were under threat.

Mahants and British Collusion: The Degradation of Sikh Shrines

By the early 20th century, many historical gurdwaras had fallen under the control of hereditary mahants, who had Brahmanised Sikh places of worship, introduced idol worship, and engaged in immoral activities within sacred spaces. These mahants, having strayed far from the egalitarian teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, imposed priestly dominance, ritualism, and caste-based discrimination, distorting the core Sikh tenets. The British, recognizing their utility in fragmenting Sikh unity, patronized and empowered these mahants, using them as a tool to control the Sikh community and suppress its growing assertion for self-rule and religious sovereignty, all under the garb of rule of law.

Birth of the SGPC

The formation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in November 1920, although initially on a non-statutory basis, was a response to these corrupt practices. It was first established through a Panthic resolution at the Akal Takht Sahib and later registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, to provide it with a formal structure. The Akali leadership demanded the return of gurdwaras to the Sikh sangat (community) and the removal of mahants, who had desecrated these sacred institutions by introducing priestly dominance, idol worship, and caste-based discrimination, in violation of Sikh principles.

The Saka Nankana Sahib: The Tragic Massacre of February 20, 1921

The Lead-up to the Massacre

The SGPC and Akali Dal had been negotiating with Mahant Narayan Das, urging him to hand over the gurdwara to Sikh reformers. However, the mahant, fearing loss of control and backed by British authorities, resisted. In a premeditated act of brutality, he fortified the gurdwara, hired Pathan mercenaries, and stored firearms and boiling oil in preparation for an attack.

On February 20, 1921, a peaceful jatha (group) of 150 unarmed Sikhs, led by Jathedar Lachhman Singh Dharowali, marched into Gurdwara Janam Asthan to recite kirtan and reclaim the shrine peacefully. As they entered, Mahant Narayan Das and his mercenaries locked the doors and launched a horrific assault.

The Massacre and Its Horrific Details

• Sikhs were shot at point-blank range, hacked with swords, and burned alive.

• Boiling water was poured on them, and the wounded were thrown into fires.

• 150 to 200 Sikhs attained martyrdom, refusing to retaliate, upholding Guru Nanak’s principle of nonviolent resistance.

• Even children and elderly Sikhs were not spared, making this a moment of unparalleled brutality.

Aftermath: The Response of the Sikh Panth and the British Government

The Akali March and Arrest of Mahant Narayan Das

When news of the massacre spread, thousands of Akalis, led by Kartar Singh Jhabbar, marched towards Nankana Sahib, determined to reclaim it. Realizing the gravity of the situation, British officials arrested Mahant Narayan Das and his accomplices, later sentencing him to life imprisonment. However, the Sikh community knew that true victory would only come through legal and institutional control over Sikh gurdwaras.

The SGPC’s Formal Recognition and the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925

The Saka Nankana Sahib led to increased Sikh mobilization, forcing the British to negotiate with the Akalis. This struggle ultimately led to the passage of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act in 1925, which removed mahants and placed Sikh shrines under the SGPC. The martyrdom at Nankana Sahib had not been in vain—it paved the way for the restoration of Sikh sovereignty over gurdwaras.

The Wider Sikh Struggle: Parallel Movements for Religious and Political Autonomy

The Nankana Sahib tragedy was part of a larger movement. Other significant morchas (agitations) included:

1. The Keys Morcha (1921–22) – Sikhs successfully forced the British to hand over the keys to the treasury of Darbar Sahib, marking an early victory for Sikh self-governance.

2. Guru Ka Bagh Morcha (1922) – Nonviolent resistance against British encroachment on gurdwara lands, earning global admiration.

3. Jaito Morcha (1923–25) – Protest against the British-imposed ruler of Nabha, following the forced abdication of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh, who had been sympathetic to the Akali Movement. The agitation was met with brutal repression but ultimately reaffirmed Sikh political resilience and determination.

Each of these morchas strengthened the Sikh collective will, leading to greater autonomy and unity.

Legacy and Lessons for Today’s Sikh Community

A Moment for Reflection: Sikh Panth in Crisis

The sacrifice at Nankana Sahib remains a powerful reminder of Sikh resilience, but today, as the Panth grapples with internal divisions and institutional decay, the lessons of history must be revisited. The Hukamnama dated December 2, 2024, from Sri Akal Takht Sahib has been persistently ignored and even violated, while political ambitions override Panthic unity, and corruption within Sikh institutions continues to weaken the legacy of our martyrs.

Moving Forward: Reclaiming Political Space in Punjab and India

The Sikh Panth must take inspiration from its rich history of sacrifices and work towards:

• Reclaiming political space in Punjab and the Union of India, where Sikhs historically played a key role in freedom movements.

• Enforcing accountability within SGPC and Akali Dal, ensuring they uphold Panthic interests.

• Revitalizing the spirit of service and sacrifice, as demonstrated by martyrs at Nankana Sahib.

Summing Up: The Spirit of Nankana Sahib Lives On

The Saka Nankana Sahib was not just a tragic event; it was a watershed moment that shaped Sikh religious and political identity. It showcased the power of faith, sacrifice, and unity. Today, as the Sikh Panth faces new challenges, it must rise above personal and political rivalries, uphold the sanctity of its institutions, and reclaim its rightful place in India and the world.

As we bow our heads in memory of Shaheed Jathedar Lachhman Singh Dharowali and his fellow martyrs, let us also pledge to honor their sacrifice through action, ensuring that the Sikh Panth remains sovereign, united, and true to its ideals.

ਪੰਥ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ, ਤੇ ਪੰਥ ਦੀ ਇੱਜ਼ਤ—ਇਹ ਹੀ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਦੀ ਅਸਲੀ ਪਹਿਚਾਣ ਹੈ।
(Panth dī sewā, te Panth dī izzat—ih hī Sikẖī dī aslī pahicẖāṇ hai.)
(Serving the Panth and upholding its dignity—this is the true identity of a Sikh.)